Journal of International Oncology ›› 2025, Vol. 52 ›› Issue (7): 448-454.doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn371439-20250217-00078

• Dosimetric characteristics of proton radiotherapy • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Analysis of dosimetric characteristics of proton radiotherapy in 4 cases of breast cancer

Li Chengqiang1,2, Wang Yungang1,2, Yu Yishan3, Wu Shizhang1,2, Tao Cheng1,2, Ma Xingmin1,2, Dai Tianyuan1,2, Duan Jinghao1,2, Chen Jinhu1,2, Bai Tong1,2, Zhu Jian1,2()   

  1. 1Department of Radiation Oncology Physics,Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute,Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences,Jinan 250117,China
    2Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory of Pediatric Cancer Precision Radiotherapy (Shandong Cancer Hospital),Jinan 250117,China
    3Department of Radiation Oncology (Chest Section 3),Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute,Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences,Jinan 250117,China
  • Received:2025-02-17 Revised:2025-05-19 Online:2025-07-08 Published:2025-07-23
  • Contact: Zhu Jian E-mail:zhujian@sdfmu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    National Science and Technology Major Project of China(2024ZD0519901);National Natural Science Foundation of China(12105160);National Natural Science Foundation of China(82172072);Key R&D Program of Shandong Province,China(2024CXPT084);Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province of China(ZR2021QA099);Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province of China(ZR2022QH188);Youth Innovation Team Development Plan of Shandong Universities(2024KJJ013);Shandong Provincial Young Science and Technology Talent Support Project(SDAST2024QTB034)

Abstract:

Objective To explore the dosimetric characteristics of proton and photon radiotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer. Methods Four female breast cancer patients who needed radiotherapy at Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute from January 2024 to May 2024 were selected as the research subjects. The target area ranges of 4 patients were left-sided breast cancer with lymph node involvement,left-sided breast cancer with lymph node involvement and internal mammary node,right-sided breast cancer with lymph node involvement and internal mammary node and synchronous bilateral breast cancer. Intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans were designed respectively based on the prescribed dose in the target area and the limits of organs at risk (tomotherapy plan for bilateral breasts). The conformity index (CI),homogeneity index (HI),gradient index (GI) and organs at risk doses were evaluated. The dosimetric characteristics of IMPT and photon radiotherapy were compared. Results Both IMPT and photon radiotherapy plans of the 4 breast cancer cases met the clinical dose requirements. The HI value of IMPT plans (0.10-0.14) was comparable to that of photon radiotherapy plans (0.10-0.12),and the average CI of the photon radiotherapy plans was 0.10 higher than that of the IMPT plans,and the average GI was 0.55 lower than that of the IMPT plans. The Dmean of ipsilateral lung and heart of IMPT was lower,especially in the low-dose area (V0-3),which was significantly lower than the photon radiotherapy plans,Dmean of ipsilateral lung was reduced by 12.2%,6.1%,16.1% and 34.8%,respectively,Dmean of heart was reduced by 47.2%,57.0%,72.4% and 83.0%,respectively. The ipsilateral lung V20 of IMPT was not lower than photon radiotherapy plans (unilateral breast: IMPT was 30.0%-34.0%,IMRT was 29.0%-35.9%). Conclusions IMPT significantly reduces the Dmean to the ipsilateral lung and heart while ensuring dose coverage of the target in breast cancer,preventing more volume of surrounding normal tissues from being irradiated. However,IMPT does not show much more advantage than photon radiotherapy plans in the ipsilateral lung V20.

Key words: Breast neoplasms, Radiotherapy, Proton therapy, Radiotherapy dosage